Study of Red Ginseng Preparation HRG80 for Relieving Muscle Pain/Soreness and Supporting the Neuromuscular Performance of Elite Weightlifters in Intense Resistance Exercise: An Open-Label, Randomized, Crossover Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of new Panax ginseng C.A.Mey preparation of increased bioavailability in fatigue assessed as relief of muscle soreness and improving the neuromuscular performance of healthy subjects following a bout of intense resistance exercise. The effects of the hydroponically cultivated red ginseng root powder HRG80TM (RG) γ-Cyclodextrin -based chewable tablets and cyclodextrin-free RG capsules were compared in an openlabel, randomized, crossover trial on 20 elite weightlifters. The RG treatments for 10 days have a statistically significant effect on the relief of the muscle’s soreness compared to the control. No statistically significant difference was observed in the effects of two capsules vs. one tablet suggesting that γ-Cyclodextrin based chewable tablets of red ginseng preparation HRG80 are almost 4-fold active of cyclodextrin-free HRG80 capsules. Furthermore, the effect of tablets vs. control was significant on the 5th day of the treatment, while the effect of capsules vs. control was observed three days later - on the 8th day. However, in push-ups on the uneven bars (PUB) test of neuromuscular performance, the capsule intake results in increased physical performance compared to tablets or control with maximal effect on the 7th day of treatment. The results of this study provide evidence for the efficacy of γ-cyclodextrin-based chewable tablets containing 100 mg of red ginseng HRG80TM for relief of muscle soreness and supporting the neuromuscular performance of healthy subjects in intense resistance exercise.